The Problems With Traditional Marathon Training Plans and The Magic Long Run Formula

Question. How many 20-milers must you run in order to be successful at the marathon?

Trick question. The answer is zero.

In today’s interview, we’re going to debunk many of the marathon training myths prevalent in traditional marathon training plans.

On our show this week is 2:14 marathoner and exercise physiologist, Luke Humphrey, and he’s here to discuss the training principles outlined in his new book, The Hansons Marathon Method.

Not only is Luke an excellent runner himself, having qualified for two Olympic Trials and placing in the top 12 at the Chicago, New York City, and Boston Marathons, but he’s also been coaching runners since 2006 and has his Masters in exercise science.

Luke is going to explain why there is no magic number when it comes to the marathon long run and how being more consistent and spreading out your mileage throughout the week can lead to huge breakthroughs in the marathon. Here is a preview of what we cover in this interview:

The problem with traditional marathon training plans. Specifically, Luke identifies who those types of training plans were written for and why it probably isn’t you.

Why the 20-miler isn’t a magic number when it comes to marathon long runs. Not only does it make you too tired to run hard throughout the rest of the week, but research demonstrates long runs of over 3-hours don’t make you any fitter compared to those of 2-hours.

The critical balance between speed, threshold, and aerobic running that enables runners to be consistent week after week, month after month.

Some of the biggest training mistakes he sees in the runners he works with. Plus, some of the biggest mistakes he’s made in his own training. Luke went nearly 3 years without setting a marathon PR – and not for lack of training. He’ll reveal exactly what he did wrong and how you can prevent it yourself.

If you’re starting to think about how to approach your next marathon training segment, you’ve got to listen to this interview first. After listening, let us know what lessons you’re going to apply to your training!

Links and resources mentioned in this interview:

Read the Transcript

Coach Jeff: Hi, everybody, welcome back to the show. I appreciate you taking your time to listen to us today. I’d say we’re very excited. We have Luke Humphrey on our show today. Luke is a 2-14 marathoner. He’s part of the Hansons Brooks Olympic Development Project. He’s been there and been running marathons for quite a long time. He’s qualified for a couple of Olympic trials. He is also an exercise scientist. Recently, he just published a book it’s called the Hansons Marathon Method. I have a copy of it here. This was released on Monday, just a few days ago.

Luke’s going to be on our show today to talk a little bit about the book about some of the training principles in the book as well as — he is competent in zone running. Here to help me out and answer some questions. Luke, welcome to the show and thanks for taking the time out of your day to be with us today.

Luke: Thanks for having me, Coach Jeff.

Coach Jeff: Awesome.

Luke: To be here.

Coach Jeff: I did a brief intro of kind of some of your background, but I definitely didn’t go into detail. Talk a little bit about you starting the sport, how you progressed. You obviously, from what I know, you weren’t a stud high school runner coming out. Tell us how you kind of progressed through the years and continue to get better.

Luke: Yes, absolutely. I never was super fast in high school. I think I ran 10-0-2 I think was my 3200 meter PR, but believe it or not, I did run about 50-flat in the 400 and high 150s in the 800. That’s one of those things — I’m from a really small town. We had three guys on the team that did four events every meet no matter what. I’d be in 800-meter dash some days. It didn’t matter. Just go in there and see what you can do.

But yes, it’s just fairly descent but nothing that really stood out and walked on it in Central Michigan and run for Craig Fuller there for five years. I got my degree in four and then did a — started Masters Program on my fifth year, and just went from there. Even in college it’s pretty average. We had some pretty good teams for cross-country at Central. We were sized ninth in the NCAA, one year in cross. We had a couple All-Americans. I was one of them, but we were in 29-17 a long time ago, but I think 29-17 in the 10K in my senior year.

Okay, but again, nothing that really stood out. I think with Kevin and Keith, what they were looking for is they saw that I was going to run better as the distance got longer. That was definitely the case. I think that’s why they looked at somebody like me. Plus, I was a Michigan guy anyway, so it was like I had to take a big leap of faith to move two hours south. But in the end obviously, it worked out well for me. I’ve been there since Fall of 2004. A long time and definitely have changed rules over the last years and — but its fun to see. I enjoyed kind of being the older guy on the team now and kind of mentoring some of the guys. If they actually listen to me, I don’t what they do or not.

Yes, I know we got some fast guys now with Jake Riley and Colby Low on the team now, which is fun. It’s fun seeing those guys and seeing what they can do on work outs and thinking, “Man, maybe I can do some more stuff.” You try to tell them, once you turn 30, it’s all downhill. They don’t blame you, but yes, I know.

Coach Jeff: Yes. Talk about your marathon progression in terms of when you first started the marathon, when you got into it, and how things progressed for you from the physical standpoint.

Luke: Yes, I ran a marathon right away when I came into the program. I moved down to Detroit area probably August of 2004, and some of those — Brian and Clinton and Trent were already training for Chicago and I kind of just jumped on the train and was able to run the Chicago with them. I ran 2-18 high for a debut, which at that point, 2004 was a solid time. Americans are pretty weak in the marathon at that point. I think even that 2-18 was top 15 that year for times, top 15 or 20. It was definitely a significant debut. And then from there, I thought I was going to have a good one right away.

The next year, I kind of took a step back and run Chicago again in 2005 and didn’t do very well, but definitely learned a lot of things about fueling and some of the more little things about marathon training.

Coach Jeff: Sorry, I’m going to stop you real quick. What do you think that you learned in that year in terms of, what do you feel like you didn’t progress, talk about some of those little things that you felt helped.

Luke: I think a lot of it was my own fault. I don’t think it was the training. Obviously, the training got me the 2-18. It was the same training that Brian and Clint were running there on 2-14 and 2-13. I think I stumbled along the way with just a lot of nutritional stuff on race day. That was actually my biggest problem because I had a lot of issues on race day with some fueling. I think I tried to hit a homerun right away. I tried to go from 2-18 to just smash it out of the park and I thought I was super good and realized that I still had a long way to go.

In the end, I think it was very good that it happened. It happened when I was 24 or 25 and not when I was, where I’m at now. The years I have left are, as many as I have in front of me. I think it was good. I think it was good that that had happened.

Luke: 2005 definitely — I ran 2004 and then I ran again in 2005. I didn’t run a spring marathon that year too. I actually went back to the track that Spring I believe. I did PR in the 10K — basically 20 flat in 10K that year, which was good for me. After 2005, bounced back and ran Boston in 2006. That’s where I actually had a big breakthrough because I was probably 2-15 shape to begin with and then I actually went out and did it in Boston and ran 2-15, two or 23 and then came back into 2-15 again in Chicago that year. That was a big year for me. But that was in 2006. I went from 2006 to 2011 without a PR. I’ve run a couple of 2-18s, but it was a lot of other things going on. You try to do some other things, try get back on the track. So it wasn’t necessarily just because I was having a lot of bad marathons. I did have a couple fairly bad marathons.

I actually run 2-15, run 2-18 doesn’t seem like a positive step forward. I was in it, I mean, it’s hard to say too, because one of those 2-18s, I was eleventh overall in New York. Time wasn’t there but obviously, furthering your [inaudible 00:07:34] eleventh in New York. I was not like, again after anything. It’s hard to say.

Coach Jeff: Yes. If you don’t mind, I actually have a question. How did you mentally kind of get through that process? That was probably a good three or four-year process where you weren’t hitting your marathons. I worked with a lot of athletes who struggle with that, their training, and I’m sure you worked with some too. Their training is going good and everything looks like it’s going to be a big PR, a big day for him, and then they get out and either something little happens or they just don’t perform on that day. How did you mentally keep coming back from that? What were you telling yourself? What were you working on?

Luke: It was tough. I definitely struggled with it for a while. I would say the first – well, 2007, 2008, maybe that first couple of years I kept thinking, “well, I’ll just bounce back,” but then it started dragging on and on and on. You really start questioning yourself. You question the coach too. Like, “Maybe this is far as I can go with this.” I don’t know. So you do really struggle with it and you really try to find your way. In the end, it just came down. I had faith in what could happen. I mean, guys around me were doing the same thing we’re seeing success. I think the biggest thing that I learned from that was I kept trying to force workout and I kept trying to force things that didn’t need to be forced. I think if I would just let it, the natural progression of things take its course. I think I would have ended up being much better off. Maybe that drought would have ended up a little sooner.

It is tough. It is absolutely tough and there’s no easy way to get around it. But I think in the end of the day, you just have to look at yourself and say, “Okay, am I doing the right things?” You take an honest look at yourself and take an honest look of what’s going on around you and hopefully you can find the right answers to those things. You don’t have to do that.

Coach Jeff: Yes. That’s great to share. Like I said, I work with a lot of athletes and I know you do too. They struggle with that and hopefully, when they listen to this, they’ll kind of understand that sometimes it is part of the process. It’s not always a linear progression where every marathon, you PR and then – sometimes you go through.

Luke: Especially the faster you get, too. It’s fairly easy to get something from four hours to three and a half hours, but to get them to three hours, and then you’re talking about some serious, serious things that need to happen. Sometimes you just need to be lucky, too. It’s tough. Yes, I mean, if you just know you’re doing the right thing and have that faith then it will work out.

Coach Jeff: Cool. So now that we’ve uncovered a little bit about your progression in the marathon and understanding that. Actually, let’s talk a little bit about your coaching background too just to give some people a background to that. Talk about how you got started with it. You have your own business and type of athletes that you work with and those types of things.

Luke: Yes, it started May 2006. I think I had my first client, but I kind of started with Kevin and Keith. They really just didn’t want to do the clinics anymore. Their kids are getting older and they want to spend more time with them. I just finished my Masters program at Oakland. I said, “Hey, take me. If you want this, you can take them over.” I was pretty reluctant at first because there are so many things going on, but I finally did. After I finished my Masters, I had more time. I jumped on board and started taking over, doing the clinics. The marathon clinics, I do every year for the Detroit Marathon.

That’s kind of how it all started and then people started asking for individual coaching. That was the next natural step and then you go through all the legal stuff and then form a LC and all the business and take care of that stuff. And there was, all of a sudden, there was a company. I was the CEO. I don’t know what I’m doing. I don’t know about running business —

Coach Jeff: I feel you.

Luke: But it’s fun. I mean, I like learning about that stuff as much as I like learning about physiology and biochemistry and all that stuff. It’s fun to take something and run with it and see how far you can take it. But yeah, as far as the athletes, it’s such a huge spectrum. I have guys that are low 2-20s, I have women that are in the 2-50s, and I have all the way up to just wanting to run one without stopping. It’s definitely a big spectrum of who I work with. The biggest struggle with that is I think sometimes people think, “Oh, you are 2-14 guy, you don’t understand what’s like for a four and half hour marathon.” They’re right, I might not, but I know that it probably hurts more than it would hurt me to run 2-15 in a marathon. I definitely understand that. I understand that time commitments it takes to train for something like that.

It’s fun. It’s fun developing those relationships with those people. I mean, I coach about 30 people – mostly online. We do some local stuff now. Most of the people that I’ve known for years now, a couple of years, that’s what I like. It’s having those relationships with those people. At the end of the day, you’re a coach, but you’re a friend too. That’s nice.

Coach Jeff: Yes. It’s amazing how you can develop that relationship even – I’m the same way. I’ve probably only met a handful of my clients that I coach. I still feel like I have a really close relationship with all of them.

Luke: Absolutely.

Coach Jeff: It’s definitely exciting when you get really – I mean, last week in Chicago, and I’m sure you had quite a people racing and, you know for me, it was just awesome to watch the track and watch people coming in. It’s exciting.

Luke: You know how it is. I mean, you’re more excited to see them have a good result than maybe you are to have a good result yourself. That’s what I hope people get when they have a coach. I am genuinely excited for people when I get an email. I’ll say, “Oh, my gosh, I just PR by 10 minutes.” That’s exciting. That makes me realize and remember why I got involved with it, because it doesn’t matter how much you know about physiology or degrees you have or not. You can take somebody and just guide them. That’s the whole word, “Guide them.” I don’t necessarily want to hold their hand. I want to guide them so they know how to do it themselves and know how to do it themselves right and have them see that success is really, really fun.

Coach Jeff: Yes, definitely.

Luke: Yes. It’s hard though because after – the Spring was so rough for people. I was really worried about the cold.

Coach Jeff: Oh, I know. Its tough when you coach and then every single marathon, somebody runs, it’s like 100 degrees. For people that are [inaudible 00:14:40] what we’re talking about—Boston this year was record-highs and then almost all of the Spring marathons in the Mid-West were all record highs. And so, it’s tough as a coach. You get all these athletes all prepared and then just one after another it’s like, “Man, we can’t catch a break.”

Luke: Right. I know. It was hard. You know it’s not going to go well for most of those guys. You try to balance between that, getting them too built up, or too down on themselves. It’s definitely a tough balance for sure.

Coach Jeff: Yes. Kind of moving forward, what led you to write the Hansons book. Let me show to everybody again here. What let you to decide to write the Hansons Marathon Method? What kind of brought the idea about?

Luke: It really just kind of fell in my lap. It’s definitely something I thought about for a long time. I think people in general approach Kevin and Keith about it, but I don’t think anything’s ever been official. We were on a plane and Keith was telling me, “Oh, I just got an email from somebody at Velo Press,” and they were throwing around ideas for books for the next year. Hanson name came up and he’s like, “There’s no way.” Kevin and I don’t have time to do this. There’s just too much going on. He’s like, “If you want to do it, I’ll give you the email and email the person back.” All of a sudden, there it was. I was in contact with Velo Press.

I think at first they thought I was just some joker off the street and they were kind of, “I don’t really know about this.” Kevin and Keith [inaudible 00:16:22] for me and all of a sudden there it was. They’ve sent out a contract and all these stuff.

Coach Jeff: Then it gets serious.

Luke: “Oh, man, this is –“It happened pretty fast. Let me say this, it initially happened very fast. I started writing this in May last year and I think the original manuscript was turned in. It was in October. It was right before my wedding and so I really want to have it done before we got married. I’m sure my wife liked it too. I turned it in. I sent it in. Since then, it’s been just back and forth, fine-tuning and all these stuffs. The actual pressing of the book only takes two days. You did all this work and then all of a sudden there’s a book. I’m getting one in the mail. It really fell in my lap – it happens to be and it helps you.

I coached a guy in a town close to here and he wrote a triathlon book for Velo Press a couple of years ago. Trizophenia I think it’s called, strange name. He’s a syndicated cartoonist as well. He’s got a crazy story. He and I were kind of throwing back and forth the idea of a book and then it was really like after I talked to him a week later, this happened. It just fell on place. Everything was there at the right time and it just happened.

Coach Jeff: Now that we know how the process came about, let’s get started diving in a little bit to what the book is. We won’t give any secrets away. When writing this book, and I know there’s obviously some interest in it and partially it’s because— what’s the difference between what you feel the Hansons Marathon Method, how you coach, and kind of traditional marathon training plans. Where does the Hanson Marathon Method differ and why?

Luke: I think, as far as why it’s different is also a reason why anybody can do it. But, I think, without throwing names out there, you have programs where a super long build-up, but it has to be a long build-up because the mileage is low, so you really take somebody who is doing 20, 30 miles a week maybe and then adding stuff to it slowly and slowly. Certain programs I’ve seen are 30 some weeks long. It’s just a really, really slow build-up. For some people, that might be what they need, but as far as the average person — you’re already running, I don’t see why you need that long to build up. I’m sure we’ll talk about 16-miler, but what I see a lot of times is you look at a program that has 20 – I’ve even seen 22, 24, 26-mile long on certain programs, but then you’re not doing anything the rest of the week.

The whole point is, yeah, you made it – which I didn’t understand either, because one schedule that I looked at was a 26-mile long run and it was basically for somebody who only wants to do is finish a marathon. So they make him finish a marathon and then go pay money to run a marathon. I don’t understand it, but anyway. Yes, you can go out there and do the long run, but you really miss out on so many other things. I think what people want, they want to be told that they can run two or three days a week and they can finish a marathon, which is true, absolutely true. You can do that, but I don’t think, for the long-term development and if you really want to do something life-long, I mean, most of those people who are doing those types of programs, in all honesty they probably just want to do one marathon, and say, “Hey, I did it. I don’t ever want to do it again.”

That’s fine. That’s absolutely fine. That’s fine, but – I was talking to Kevin about this actually when I was writing the book. He was talking about how – really, when they started those programs, it was more about, “Okay, how do I take that person and then get them to where they can run a marathon well and say I want to do this again. I don’t want to just run one and be done with it. I want to keep doing this the rest of my life.”

That’s kind of where Kevin and Keith are coming from with the program. The mileage itself is incredibly high versus more balance throughout the week. Obviously, you saw the schedules. You’re doing a fairly long tempo run in under week and you’re doing the 16-mile on the weekend, but you’re running six days a week so these other days are really aren’t that high. I mean 6, 8 miles during the week take away from the workouts. I don’t feel like it’s overly crazy. I’ve seen some people criticizing it online and stuff like that, but in the other hand I can point out 15 guys I coached who were businessman themselves or travelling pretty much all week.

I got guys who travel to China regularly and Europe regularly and they’re running 70 miles a week and they’re fine. They’ve got families. They don’t have any problems. They fitted in. They just manage their time. Better not to say that other people don’t, but I think when you are that busy, you must better it at managing those things. You find out what is really important.

Coach Jeff: Yes. I think one of the things too is – because I have the same thing. I’ve written articles where people are like, “This schedule is crazy. There’s no way somebody could do it.” I think the problem is people they set limits on themselves before they even try something.

Luke: Absolutely.

Coach Jeff: So they see a schedule like the Hanson schedule where it has you running five or six days a week. First of all, they don’t look at what those five. They just say, “Five days a week of running. That’s crazy.” But then, they don’t really think about – they just limit themselves and say, “I can’t do this.” Instead of going out and trying it. Because what I’ve noticed is that people always surprise themselves especially beginners with what they’re able to do. That’s sometimes the best part about working with beginners is that they – you work with somebody and three months later, they’re like, “I can’t believe I’m running this far. Like would have thought this is crazy.” That’s a part of the thing I think it is. I think actually the Hansons group themselves, I know one of the reasons that you’ve had success and that a lot of the athletes there have successes that you get there and you start training with an elite group.

You start completely reframing your mind about what’s possible because before you go to the Hansons, somebody could say to you like running 140 miles a week is impossible, but then you go there and not that everybody at the Hansons runs that much, but everybody is putting in a ton of miles and everybody is running really fast and then it starts all of a sudden it becomes a common place that “Oh, yeah, I mean everybody runs 120 miles a week.” That’s normal and everybody runs 2-12. That’s normal. Not that it is, but that’s the mental process.

Luke: It is scary.

Coach Jeff: Right, right. I think that’s probably a part of the reason that people have the – kind of look at it and the Hanson Marathon Method and think like, “Oh, that’s crazy.” They just haven’t conditioned their mind yet.

Luke: You know how it is. I mean you see somebody who says, “I can’t run more than 30 miles a week and you start really looking into it and a lot of times what you see is, they’re just running everyday too hard. If they just backed off a little bit, they’d be able to run more. Some of that is just so misguided. I see that a lot. They feel like they have to run hard in order to get better. It’s not necessarily that way. I mean, yeah, it’s amazing what people – it’s nice seeing it when they do that. What they can do from there on. It is exciting.

Coach Jeff: Yes. So let’s dive into that 16-mile. I know that’s – I think people have heard about the Hanson Marathon Method before. That’s probably what they think of. It kind of what makes it famous. Let’s talk about what’s the theory behind the 16-mile or I guess let’s just say more specifically the shortened long run and why 16 miles isn’t as magic number just like 20 miles is a magic number.

Luke: Yes, absolutely. That’s the big thing. People say, “The 16 mile. Why is it 16.” It’s 16 because it fits better into the schedule. It makes it more appropriate to the percentage of mileage that somebody is running, but it is not about 20-mile here. I was actually thinking about this the other day when you got in touch with me. I was just looking at like – I started looking at Daniel stat. You start looking at, who else, [voice overlap 00:25:12]. What’s that?

Coach Jeff: Probably [voice overlap 00:25:15], yes.

Luke: Yes, all those guys. You start looking at all those guys and all their stuff and even [inaudible 00:25:21] and things like that. Those programs weren’t for the average runner. They were for elite runners. And you start really looking – oh, Renato Canova is another guy I was looking at. It’s funny because Canova basic badge is ledger, but if you look at their program, it’s the same thing. It’s just different names. Anyway, the thing is, all these stuffs are for elite. Really first designed for elite runners and you start looking at what people focus on. They focus on 20-milers and they fail to see what they were doing the rest of the week. You look at some of the workouts these guys are doing. Like Canova’s guys are doing like 5x5K ridiculously fast paces. In the average person, they’re not going to do that. Cut that out because I can’t do that, but I can do 20 miles, so I’ll keep that in.

Everything has to be in balance to what you’re trying to accomplish. I think honestly, back in the day, Kevin kind of settled on 16 just to be kind of throws in your pace. It doesn’t matter what number it is. It could be 14 for somebody. I don’t know. We really started talking about it and you start looking at – even Daniels says in his stuff, you get patch passed three hours and you’re not really the physiological stuff. You’re really doing more harm than good. You’re damaging yourself so much that it’s going to take a long time to recover from that.

If you take somebody who runs a 20-miler, let say, a four-hour marathoner going on to a 20-miler, you can be out there in three plus hours sliding through a 20-miler. So honestly, they probably are going to have to take a couple of days before so they’re going to miss some running. So Friday and Saturday pretty much don’t count on it. And then they run Sunday and do a long run and Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, they’re so beat up, they can’t do anything. Now, it’s Thursday where they might be able to do something of quality and then they’re going to take Friday and Saturday [inaudible 00:27:32] 20-miler on Sunday.

You really get pass the point of training and now you’re just surviving weeks. You’re surviving 20 miles, [inaudible 00:27:41]. That’s really what the whole point is. You can back that off four miles, get into that two and a half to three-hour range for slower runners and two hours for faster runners, maybe a little under and you’re fine. You’re getting the development. You’re getting the physiological stuff. Anything over 90 minutes you’re getting that development. Why don’t you back it down to where you can manage that and then still not have to take off time? You don’t have to take Monday and Tuesday off to do something on Wednesday night. You can do something on Tuesday because you’re not so fatigued that you literally can’t do anything.

I think that’s the biggest point with the schedules that Kevin wanted. Because you know how it is. I mean people focus so much on that 16-mile, but they fail to see that Thursday before they ran a 10-mile tempo, Friday they ran, Saturday they probably did a 10-miler or 12-miler and then Sunday do a 16-miler. They’re doing a lot of running before that 16-miler then they’re bouncing back on Tuesday and do another workout whether it be a speed workout or strength workout. You’re not really tapering or recovering to do a 20-miler. You’re training through everything that you’re doing. That’s kind of the whole cumulative fatigue thing there. It’s not one thing that’s going to kill you. It’s just all of it is the end.

Coach Jeff: Yes. And one thing I noticed looking at the schedules and this is what I tell athletes who I don’t—we do short long runs with is that, look at the entire week of training and look at the quality compared, look at the total number of quality miles run in comparison if you use a Hanson schedule and you say you have the 16-miles, which is pretty quality. Some of it is going to be up tempo. You have the tempo run. During the middle of the week you have the speed workout. You added a lot and you’re talking 20, 25 miles worth of quality running and then you say to somebody, “Well, let’s look at what you would do if you did just kind of nutritional schedule if you do a one 20-miler, but you usually have to do is so slow because you could barely finish 20 that it’s not really quality. It’s just time on your feet and then you can’t really do anything else during the week. Maybe you get one session in, so you’re talking about maybe 10 miles of quality running. When we talk about quality, maybe half marathon pace to marathon pace. You’re talking about now you’re doing half the quality through the week and I think that’s we’re talking about. That balance where you’re actually doing more. You’re just not focusing so much on one specific run.

Luke: And that’s why they need such a longer build up because they’re doing half as much. It’s not going to – they need more than 12, 14 weeks. They need 24 weeks. They need 32 weeks. They need a super long time frame because it takes that long for the body to adapt to something, because you’re not getting the stimulus that the other guys would.

Coach Jeff: Let’s talk about, I know it’s in the book and I won’t grill you on the specific numbers, but talk about a little bit about the scientific background of why you don’t necessarily need a four-hour run. Talk about the aerobic benefits. Where do they stop? Where they start? Along those line.

Luke: For everything I’ve seen, 90 – you kind of have two metabolic windows and once about 30 minutes and then the other one is a 90-minute. If somebody wants to do an afternoon run, they should try to make it 30 minutes to get that stimulus. On the other side of that, they’re doing a long run, 90 minutes is probably the minimum they want to be in order to start seeing those long run adaptation and then everything else. Then you have that window of 90 minutes to about three hours is everything I’ve seen. So that’s why it doesn’t make sense for a lot of those people. If they’re going about three hours, they’re not getting the adaptations — they’re not in the optimal window.

Even if they can recover from it, they’re still past the point of not getting optimal development. They might actually be doing more damage long term than good. Really, to me, it just makes sense to stay in that optimal window, maximize your training and then you can focus on a marathon-paced run. Because to me, that 10-mile tempo that they do for three or four weeks, you got to warm up and cool down to that and you’re talking 14 to 16 miles anyway. So to me, that’s just as important if not more important than just a regular long run anyway. At that point, they’re spending a long time in a marathon pace. They feel uncomfortable in marathon pace. They’re developing few utilizations that are maximizing burning fat and they’re energy stores are much more balanced. It makes more sense. To me, that’s way more important that just going through and running a 16-miler even if it is two or three minutes slower than marathon pace per mile.

You’re going to get some real development, but you really want to make sure that you’re in that window.

Coach Jeff: Right. Yes. I always tell people after three hours, there’s a diminishing return and there’s an increased risk of injury because your legs are getting so tired and then obviously the recovery on the back end. After three hours, you’re really not getting anymore aerobic benefit than you did at two hours and 30 minutes. But you’re definitely increasing injury risk, so why keep going. Why not stop at the good stuff and then leave the running for a better day.

Luke: Right. Absolutely. The other thing you have to look at too is a lot of the runners we work with, they don’t have – they have a coach going beside them and giving them water bottles every three miles. I think that’s a huge part of it, too. You have to maximize. You can be depleted for these runs and if you stretch it out so long pass three hours, then you really running the risk of becoming obviously dehydrated, but just really burning those fuel source is so low that the body kind of goes into protective mode. It’s like, “Shut things down now.” You really want to avoid that.

You have to look at the practical side of it too. It might not be possible because you’re not going to be able to – you don’t want to put so many goose in your shorts and then you’re out. You really have to look good. That’s part of the things that you struggle as a coach. You have to make sure that – just because you can’t see him, you got to make sure they’d still be doing those little things like the fuel and stuff. A lot goes into scheduling long runs.

Coach Jeff: Yes. I’m really happy that you published this book not only because I know you well and I’m glad that hopefully it’s successful for you, but for me also, it’s one of those things where – it’s one of the first books to really challenge some of these long held belief that we had. You’ve mentioned it, at the beginning we talked about the long runs with Daniels and [inaudible 00:34:27] and all those other coaches that have plans out there. [Inaudible 00:34:30] those kind of those things where you’re challenging the existing. Just, “Oh, you have to run 20 miles.” I think if you would ask somebody who has just started training for a marathon, what do you have to do. They’d say, “I got to run 20 miles in training.”

What I tell people is, “Think about where that started.” To me, that started in the 1970s when there was mini boom with the Bill Rogers and Frank Shorter where the average marathon finisher was like three hours. So guys were running six-minute pace in training all the time and so all these exercise scientist and coaches came out and said, “Well, glycogen runs out at two hours, if you do an easy 20-miler for a guy, that’s a 2-33 hour guy, that’s like a six-minute pace.” Boom, you got 20 miles. Nobody’s challenged that since things have changed. The second marathon boom where now people are running 3-34 hours average and that’s completely changing their energy system.

Luke: Absolutely. Those guys are running a lot more mileage per week. Most of those guys, the average mileage is a lot higher, I would suspect too. You read about all those guys – just average guys working 40 hours a week, families, and stuff like that. They would still run 100 plus miles a week. Just because, again, that’s what those guys were doing. That’s what Shorter was doing. That’s what Rogers was doing. They were just emulating that. Yes, it’s definitely changed. We did some stats in the book. You can go on Running USA. They have some really good stats for marathon and stuff. I think they have stats going back in early 70s where 15,000 people finished a marathon. In 2012, it was almost 600,000 people finish marathons in the US. It’s a huge growth, but along with that growth, the average age the marathoner got older before it was in the 30. Now, it’s in the 40s. Along with that they average time, but that’s good.

In the long run, that’s good because more people are involved in the sport, which is what we ultimately want. But it’s definitely making people look at training differently. But again, that’s what spurred the market on. The minimal training plans too are that, listen, and told somebody who was 45 years old and didn’t want to run a ton of mileage, “Hey, you can do this.” We know you can, but it’s going to hurt really bad too. I think if you put the work in now, you suffer and do 18 weeks of training now and you kind of sacrifice some social things in your life for a few weeks. The payoff is much, much better. The better experience you have with it, the more likely you’re going to be involved in the sport for a long time. To me that’s more important than just running one and not doing it again, but that’s here or there I guess.

Coach Jeff: Continuing on the theme of balancing the training, looking at the Hanson Marathon Method, the workouts, looks like each week you touch on a different energy system – at least once a week, speed, the O2 max, kind of stuff, the threshold, and then obviously the long run. What’s the advantage of touching those energy systems throughout the entire training segment each week and never getting too far away from one?

Luke: I think just thinking of the advanced schedule off hand, it starts right away into speed, and we do I think eight or so weeks at speed and maybe a couple more. Honestly, that I think was more out of practicality than anything because these schedules that Kevin and Keith made were first designed basically for the Detroit Marathon in the fall – so an October marathon, which mainly you had to start training in the summer. A lot of those guys were running 5Ks and 10K. There are some road races during the summer. I think we were thinking, “Okay, how can we train for a marathon, but still allow these guys to run this local road races through June, July, maybe [inaudible 00:38:31] in August and then switch over to marathon training program.

Talking with Kevin and Keith, that’s basically the impression that I have on that, but – and it does. Honestly, I think its fine. When you look at typical [inaudible 00:38:50] you took a lot of these guys. These guys will say, “Well, we’ll start out with slower stuff and then you build to the faster stuff.” I was reading some stuff on [inaudible 00:38:58] and he would say, “Well, I’d get guys up to where they would do 10K and maybe 5K intervals the last few weeks for a marathon segment.” After training for 10 marathons, I can’t imagine running 5K stuff, 10K stuff last couple of weeks of a marathon.

Coach Jeff: Right, it doesn’t make sense.

Luke: To me, the practicality that it isn’t necessarily makes sense. Admittedly, [inaudible 00:39:21] he’s like, I would just jump off the ladder X point wherever you felt comfortable. I think, even he realize, “Okay, maybe you don’t need to do this stuff later in a marathon segment.” To me, why not do it in the front of the segment. Because a lot of times, these guys, they’re not training very hard. Even if they’re doing 5K stuff, 10K stuff, it’s not as fast as what it could be because they’re not ready to run superfast. A lot of these guys, they’ve never done intervals. They’ve never done things like this. To me, why not have them mess it up in the early summer where it doesn’t really matter as long as they’re doing something that’s all that particularly matters.

To me, that makes sense and then they can still do these things and you get a lot of people, they just want to run on marathon they’d never run anything before. This actually gets some fairly in shape to do something shorter so that they can run like a 5K or 10K and then you can base what you want to do for the marathon off of that and then you’re going to switch for the marathon specific stuff with the strength and the longer tempo run.

I think that’s why we — pretty sure that’s why the speed stuff is more on the front, but then yeah, you switch over the strength, which is really not a whole lot faster than marathon pace. But it’s deceiving because a lot of people say, “Well, you’re going to run 10 seconds faster in marathon pace per mile, but you’re doubling the volume, too,” and that’s the other thing, the speed too, the volume, three miles worth of speed and the early part of segment. As a percentage wise, it’s not very high percentage of the weekly miles too so you don’t run the risk of — you don’t have that super high risk of injury because the volume of it is so low, but then the strength, you obviously double that volume and then it’s more marathon specific.

But you’re right, you’re touching more like threshold stuff over there and by that point, the marathon — the tempo runs are eight to 10 miles so you’re really more a high aerobic pace under. You’re still underneath like a threshold and you’re just — you’re running at a high aerobic pace for over an hour for most people. So yeah, you’re right, you touched on a lot of stuff, but the speed stuff, you can say, “Well, it keeps turning over up a little bit too, like it’s feeling a little bit fresh,” and then the tempo runs obviously are just — you’ve kind of seeing marathon pacing and the long runs are in the higher end of the spectrum for the mileage.

So yeah, we definitely touched on everything and I think having that balance is key especially — again, I go back to the long-term development. Having that, you know how to use — you’ve seen those training pyramids where the bottom of the pyramid is the easy running. When you get to the top and it’s being too maxed up. Well, a lot of times when you’re doing a small — a three-day program or something to that effect, all you’re doing is focusing on the stuff at the top of that pyramid. You’re not focusing on anything at the bottom of the pyramid.

So again, short-term, that sprint, because you’re developing that high-end stuff right away, but there’s only so far you can take that without — you have to go back to the bottom, push that foundation up and then you can handle more of the faster stuff. So having that balance I think allows that. It allows them to handle more mileage initially and then you can go back to other things when you’re done with the marathon.

I don’t think the program is good for somebody who wants to just keep running marathon after marathon after marathon. I think you really need that break and then you need in marathon and then maybe do some halves or something — back to some short road race is an [inaudible 00:42:39].

Coach Jeff: Yeah. When I looked at the speed, that was one of the things that I thought was really great about the program is that — from what I see, what happens is people do just what you said, they shouldn’t do is they run marathon after marathon after marathon. It’s just every 10 to 12 weeks, they’re running another marathon and what ends up happening is they just do the same training over and over. It’s just threshold runs and long runs, which are good.

Those are definitely the foundation of good running, but what ends up happening is after two or three years, you haven’t touched your speed. You haven’t touched your VO2 max. You haven’t touched those high-end anaerobic type training events. And then all of a sudden you’re just — it’s like I always — I tell people, its like, “Oh, trying to open a window blind.” When you have two of the pulley strings, you can pull one side and one side will come down, but it will never get to the bottom or it will never get to the top because you can only pull one side so high. That’s what I see when you do the speed work is that you’re really balancing things so that way, when you pull the pulley strings, everything kind of goes up at the same time and your ultimate ceiling is a lot higher.

Luke: Absolutely.

Coach Jeff: So I think that’s why one of the things I think it’s a great addition to the program and to be able to balance all those energy systems within a training cycle.

Luke: Absolutely, yeah, and then you go and touched — talked about things like fiber recruitment and things like that were exactly. Somebody does all long runs in marathon paced stuff. They never touched on type 2b fibers or even that fast twitch fiber. It just never — those things — and they shut down your body. If you’re not using, your body is going to shut them down and more you have those things.

I mean you talked about hitting a wall, what you could really help yourself with is if you get those intermediate fibers and those fast twitch fibers used a little bit, your body can go on those. The force production in your slow twitch is going to decline. You get to a point when you’re going to decline. It might be 18 miles or might be a 24 miles, but you haven’t touched on those fibers. They’re not going to be there to help you, but if you have, they might be — will get you the rest of the way in and that’s one of those things that a lot of times are just completely never even — they’ve never been thought about in those types of programs because they just know — the only goal is to get them to the marathon finish line and they don’t really necessarily care how just as long as they can.

Coach Jeff: Yeah, exactly. So this is a question that I’m excited to ask you only because I love to hear your experiences. What are some of the biggest training mistakes that you see with a lot of the athletes that you work with or that approach you at either about the Hansons Marathon Method that want to work with you?

Luke: I think biggest thing I see is people are excited and sometimes, they’re too excited and what they do is they want to add too much too soon. Sometimes they get mad at me because I don’t — I back them way off and I think initially that they’re, “What the heck is this guy doing?” You try to explain to them, but they’re like one runs slower than I was, but I have to just keep reminding like, “Well, where do you want to be and where are you at now trying the methods you have been trying?”

That’s something that I struggle with a lot, but I think the biggest thing is you can get people to back off their intensity a little bit. Because a lot of times because we talked about early, I get a lot of people who think 30 to 40 miles a week is the most they can run and it’s not a matter of ability. It’s a matter of just — they — for instance, I just got an email from a young woman who runs six days a week and she does every other day, she gets on the treadmill. She just does intervals as hard as she can for 30 seconds on and 30 seconds off. And then the other day, she runs six miles a day at 90 percentage of her heart rate maximum.

Coach Jeff: Wow!

Luke: So yeah, I absolutely, you’re only going to run 30 miles a week and —

Coach Jeff: Right, that’s why I can’t even do that.

Luke: Somewhere because you’re fat, you’re really fat. So that was a big thing and now, not to that extreme, but that’s a lot of the types of thing I see and honestly — but I think it goes back. They’re just — a lot of them — this education about what you really need. So I think that’s my job as a coach to educate them as, “Now, this is what you really need. This is how you can do it.” As a science guy, I hate those — the testimonials and stuff, but as a businessman, you need them because you’re only as good as the people who’ve had success with your program.

So, I can talk about journal articles all day long and it doesn’t matter to people, but if I said, “Bob ran 15-minute PR Chicago doing this and he’s been trying 10 years to break three hours,” that means something to them, to that person. So yeah, I mean, but it’s hard and it is hard because people are used to doing things the way they’ve been doing. I mean, it’s hard for them to change and then the coach that get frustrated, “Why are you paying me this money if you’re just going to go back to do whatever you were doing anyway,” but sometimes that actually wakes them up. They’re like, “You know what, you’re right.” That’s the only time that I just get mad, but you’ve got to be honest with them and say, “Listen, at some point, you’ve got to trust me on this and it’s going to be — it will be fine and if not we can reevaluate later on”, but you know the struggles.

Coach Jeff: Yeah. I mean, mine is very similar when people ask me and mine is always — everybody always wants to run so fast in the easy days. We invited — I don’t know — I’m sure you know Camille Herron. We’ve invited her on a couple of weeks ago and she talks about what her easy pace was because for somebody of my athletes, they ran and they’re maybe 3:10, 3:20 marathon as they’re trying to run like 7:30, 8-minute pace on their easy days. I’m like, “Shit, I was like a 2:20 marathoner and like I lead sometimes around like 7:30 pace on the easy days.” [Inaudible 00:48:30] was like, “Oh yeah, I run like 9-minute pace,” and she’s a 2:37 marathoner. I know you Luke, we’ve ran together quite a bit and I know there have been runs where you’ve gone. It’s just like — we’re just like eight-minute pace. We’re like, “Yeah, that’s good for today.”

Coach Jeff: Right, and I work with some of the athletes who just like everyday, they’re just like, “Can I run faster on my easy day?” I try to tell them, “That’s not where you’re going to get better.” And then on the flipside, when they feel like crap on the easy days like, “Oh, I couldn’t even run eight-minute pace on the easy run.” You’re like, “That’s not what it’s about like if you can only run 10-minute pace like that’s fine.”

Luke: It wasn’t — most of the time, that’s where they’re suppose to be anyway like the only crap, but it’s not — then you just say, “Yes, that’s fine.” Because it’s absolutely fine. It doesn’t matter about [inaudible 00:49:15] I was telling, but there’s a day — I mean, I’ll adjust things for people. If I’ve been working with them for a long time and like, the one thing you can adjust pretty easily is marathon. There are some long runs for the marathon and sometimes, they really just can’t run more mileage. It’s too time constraints and things like that, but that’s completely understandable.

So what we’ll do is we’ll do some different long stuff, like we’ll do some of the fast finish longer or we’ll do — like a tempo run and a long run. I’ll do a [inaudible 00:49:46] in the middle of the long run and just something to change things up for them, too. So that’s something I feel like as a coach, I’m getting a lot better at doing it so it’s just making sure there are some variety in their form and then honestly, that stuff is going to be tremendously help because I mean, it forces you to break up you on and on and it gives them some bearing intensity.

Coach Jeff: Yeah. So last question before we kind of let you go, but I love asking this question. In your own training, if you could go back five to eight years, probably 2005, 2006 and tell yourself one thing, what would that be and why?

Luke: Yeah, we talked a little bit about it, but definitely I would just go back to being patient. I think my biggest problem was I had a good race and then I thought, “I’m just going to hit a homerun the next time. I’m going to just — I’m going to crash the next race,” and I didn’t. Instead of backing off and reevaluating, I just kept trying to hit that homerun over and over and over again and it just wasn’t going to happen because I was training at 5:05 pace. “Well okay, well, that wasn’t good enough. So let’s train at 5:02 pace and that wasn’t good enough so let’s train at five-minute pace.”

You ultimately just adding on more and more and more to your already fatigued systems and it just probably overtraining for so much that it just — and setting myself back. Literally, probably a couple of years so that’s the biggest thing– I think — I don’t mind trying to swing for that homerun, but if you don’t get it, you really need to take a look at why you didn’t get it and then you really need to say, “Okay, I ran 2:18, I ran three hours,” or whatever the case is and say,”okay, what do I really, really think I can do and that’s what I need to focus on.” So I might be saying, “Okay, let’s not try to run that 2:40 marathon. Let’s back it down to 2:50.” Honestly, I have a better chance of running maybe 2:45 off of that then completely overtraining for a 2:40 and being overtraining going to the starting line if you can make it to the starting line.

So that definitely I think that’s the biggest thing is being patient and again, I didn’t see the short — I was seeing the short-term and not the long-term and ultimately, it caused me to long-term. So I think you really do need to learn that patience and not be so — it goes the same thing as like, “Why do people running on a lot easy runs faster,” because they think this is going to make them faster faster. They’re going to get better quicker and it doesn’t. It also might sets them back further. In a short-term, that might be fine, but in a year or two, it might not be where they want to be.

So I really think that would be the thing and going on to that patience thing a little bit more, I think just picking and choosing the days you really want to hammer. You know how wasn’t guys were here so it turned into a big — a mess sometimes.

Coach Jeff: Yeah, slugfest.

Luke: Everybody is out there swinging in and they were going to see the last man standing as in and sometimes that’s fine and other times, you’re going to say, “Hey, this is not the day for me.” I think — and now, and maybe just because I’m older, but now I know. I can look at the schedule I get from Kevin and Keith and say, “Okay, this day, I’m going to — there’s going to be a lot effort into this.” And then the other day, I’m going to be like, “Okay, this is — I’m just trying to get through this, get through this as just little damage as possible and then move on.” I think that’s the key to it.

Especially on a longer segment like that because it’s just — if you try to hammer on everything, it just not going to work out. It just ends up being rough.

Coach Jeff: Yeah, that’s a good point.

Luke: (Cross talking 00:53:29).

Coach Jeff: Cool. Well, Luke I definitely appreciate you taking the time here. A little bit more about the book, where can people pick up the book if they want to get a copy?

Luke: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, indie-press.com, there’s a couple other websites you can get it from.

Coach Jeff: Okay, so what we’ll do too is we’ll link this up at the bottom of the show notes for anybody that’s listening on the podcast, visit the Runners Connect website, go to our blog and visit videos and you’ll see the video and we’ll put some show notes up. But for people that don’t know, it’s this book here, it’s Hansons Marathon Method. So if you’re going to look it up on Amazon and A Renegade Path to Your Fastest Marathon and again, it’s Luke Humphrey is the author. So yeah Luke, again, we appreciate you taking the time. I know you had a busy day and I appreciate you taking the time and sharing with us. This is a great interview. I’ve got a lot out of it. I know my audience is as well so I appreciate it.

I picked up the book 2 weeks ago. I’ve only been running since January after losing a decent amount of weight, took on some 5k, 10k, 15k races and did a half Marathon distance in training; Then my wife signed me up for the Disney Marathon this coming January 2013. So I’ve been working on my mileage using some free canned plans off the web, that got me to the half Marathon distance, but something to me seemed to be missing. It just didn’t make sense to say go x miles one day then x more the next with rest days. There just wasn’t enough detail around pacing or endurance building. This book seems to have answered the lingering questions. I’ve began using it starting at week 6 of the beginners program since my mileage up to then pretty much matched up to prior weeks. We’ll see how it goes, but I like the specifics I’m to follow. Since I don’t have a PR at this distance, I’m just using the metrics set based on some prior distances I’ve raced and will hope to come in under 4 hrs – which to me is optimistic.

I have a friend that is running the same race in January, but he is following one of the more traditional 20 mile peak plans. We’re both first time Marathoners so I’m really interested in seeing how we each look back on our experiences; Good times either way, but definitely different.

Thanks for the comment, Wes and I am glad you enjoyed the interview. Hopefully, it helped add some detail and background to the book and your training. Sounds like you have a great plan and I have no doubts that the consistency you’re stringing together week after week will get you through the race strong. Definitely let us know how the race goes and how the experience compares to the traditional plan your friend is working with.

Hi Jeff
I found the interview really interesting as I had just come off my 2nd marathon with an improved time (over 8 mins) and yet I missed 6 weeks training in the build up due to a torn hamstring.
I was up and running in the final week of August for a marathon on October 21 . I did one run of 20 miles 3 weeks out and another of about 17 miles but by chance, I managed more “brick” sessions where for instance I would do a fast 5k (20-21mins) on a Saturday in race conditions and then a hilly 12miles early on Sunday.
On another occasion, I ran a hard, hilly off road 10km race in 44-45mins, went home had a recovery snack and straight out for a slow but hilly 12miles.
Without realising it I was following Luke’s ideas and as a Vet aged 63 I improved my marathon time to 3:24:12 (Abingdon UK, October) from 3:32:13 on debut (London Marathon, April 2012).
Something made the difference and I think it might just have been the fact that I didn’t bury myself on so many long runs ahead of the race…
Next race: Boston Marathon 2012

Thank you for sharing your experience, Mike. Sorry the experiment had to be the result of an injury, but I think you’re right. The unintentional focus on not beating yourself up with the long run and focusing more on the workouts and the total volume of running helped you succeed. I encourage you to pick up a copy of the book. Hopefully, it can provide some good ideas for Boston. Best of luck!

One point that bugs me though is use of the term Quality Workout. and Excluding Easy Running from that.

IMHO a Quality workout is one that really hits its target on the head. If the plan calls for an Easy run and you actually do an Easy run then it WAS a Quality workout. Just as if your plan calls for 6*1000m @ 3:45 and you do the first 3 in 3:20 and the last 3 at over 4:10 then that was NOT a Quality Workout.

Whether a training plan should have lots of Easy running or less but more intense running i think really depends on the individual athlete,what they enjoy and what they can tolerate.

Good point, Paul. I think it just comes down to the term quality having two definitions or meanings.

In this case, quality refers to a harder, faster workout. I think you’re definition of quality (is still right) is more along the lines of effective or beneficial.

You’re absolutely right though. A well-executed easy run is very beneficial. It helps promote recovery and aerobic development. More importantly, as you point out, a speed workout isn;t as effective if run stubbornly.

I’ve been using the Hanson’s plan as training for Chicago this October, and have followed the guidelines in the book to add mileage- last week hitting 77.5 miles, and in 3 weeks will likely hit 80 for the peak week. Love the plan, it’s been going great so far!

I might race a half marathon on Sept. 8th as a tune up race 5 weeks before Chicago, but it might mean missing the prior Thurs quality workout (14.25 miles with 9 at MP) as well as the following Tues quality workout (strength workout, 2×3 mile repeats). Any thoughts? Is it worth it to race the half and potentially miss 2 quality workouts, or should I skip the half and stick to the plan?

Latest Podcast Episode

Podcast Reviews

A really interesting and informative podcast. A great range of guests and subjects covered by an engaging and enthusiatic host. Tina clearly knows her stuff and her passion for running is infectious.

a great podcast for runners

December 1, 2016 by Rug Daniels from United States

I love this podcast. I am an avid runner but only took it up in my late 20's. As such I didn't have the benefits of high school or college coaching or advice. Run to the Top fills in this knowledge gap and has helped me be a better runner.
The host, Tina Muir, does a wonderful job of mixing informative & inspirational guests. Certain guests offer technical advice while others make you want to lace up and go for a run.

Keeps getting better

November 29, 2016 by Steve's Account from Canada

I've been enjoying this podcast for the past 8 months. I continue to take something new away each week from the diverse list of guests on the show. Great job Tina!

The Gait Guys

November 26, 2016 by Bradzo6 from United States

This podcast certainly provokes thought into thinking differently about your running injuries and improving your performance. It's well worth listening to and spending some time reflecting on your running goals as you enter a new year.

Insightful and Informative

November 4, 2016 by Physio Brad from Australia

Run to The Top offers up insights and information that assist runners off all levels fulfil their running potential. Tina is a skillful host who is able to apply her inisghts and running experiences with guests for the benefit of the listener. Brad Beer running.physio

Excellent, Spot-On Guidance for Runners

September 19, 2016 by RabbitRun70 from United States

I've been a big fan of Tina's and her RunnersConnect podcast for a couple of years now. She nails the questions and issues about which runners always ask. Love her positive and curious approach. Thank you, Tina, for bringing such a variety of wonderful and well-informed experts onto your show. Couldn't get through these hot, humid slogs (aka "long runs") without your podcasts!

My buddy on runs

September 18, 2016 by Stewthebassman from Canada

Tina has interesting guests who open up to her. She researches her guests and shows up prepared. Never disappointing and always thoughtful!

Great info for all runners

September 16, 2016 by ZippCobb from United States

What a legend Tina Muir is! A good human being sharing her knowledge of running and interviewing very interesting guests.

Excellent, inspiring and informative

September 1, 2016 by Erin Cally from Canada

Tina consistently has interesting and diverse guests. She asks thoughtful questions and you can tell that she puts work into preparing for each guest. Great running advice and inspiration, keep up the great work!

Have replaced my running music!

August 17, 2016 by Jesusrls from United States

These podcasts are wonderful! All I listen to anymore when running. Very solid and helpful info. Thanks you guys!

I recently stumbled across this podcast and quickly binge listened to most of the last year. Tina has such a great variety of guests and information to offer from nutrition to running psychology to injury and recovery. I have been a runner for over 5 years but have managed to learn something new with each podcast. And it is clear Tina is getting more comfortable as the host/interviewer. Keep up the great work and great content!

Good information for all runners

August 14, 2016 by Run because you can from United States

Interesting guests. I like also hearing about the hosts running and training.

Tina Muir is fantastic

August 10, 2016 by Dan in Perth from Australia

This is the first review that I have done for a podcast.
Tina Muir is fantastic; she is an elite Runner who is modest and interviews top people, and asks pertinent questions.
This is the best Running podcast.
I highly recommend every Runner to subscribe to the Runners Connect Run to the Top podcast.

Learning so much!!!

August 7, 2016 by Jill satran from United States

So informative. Love to listen!!

Very helpful, specially for new runners

August 2, 2016 by Bibi.org from Brazil

I have been enjoying the podcast on the last year, when I started listening to it while searching for more information about running. Since I'm a new runner, all the new information is great, and the podcast has been helping me a lot from tips, to information and inspirational talks. I like the fact the interviews change the subject from week to week, mixing nutrition experts, runners, trainers, and other professionals of the area. It's also pretty nice that the host, Tina Muir has a good sense of humor, which makes the interviews more fluid most of time. Thanks for the episodes and keep up with the good work.

Influential

July 28, 2016 by Johnboyz66 from United States

I have recently started listening to this podcast, and it's changed my running! Tina is a great host, and she responds to you if you e-mail her about a question. The guests are always relevant, and usually answer questions I've been thinking about but didn’t know where to go to find the answers. Now I know the answers are here. I always look forward to the next episode, and can't wait to listen to see who'll be on next. Thanks Tina and the Runners Connect group. Wish there was a podcast every day!

Tina Rocks

July 20, 2016 by @gaberuns from United States

This is a great podcast. Very informative and insightful. Great to listen to on a run or when relaxing. Tina is great!!!

Great podcast!

July 17, 2016 by Jengibreb from United States

The variety of guests and topics is simply outstanding. I find it very interesting to hear different perspectives from various experts, from scientists to elite runners. My favorite episodes are those that let us in on the personal stories and journeys of the interviewee. Keeping it real, honest and human - Tina excels at that! Her kindness, respect for others and relatabilty are refreshing.

Great Podcast!

July 10, 2016 by Ashley Waite from United States

I have recently started listening to this podcast on a daily basis both during my runs as well as my free time/commutes, etc. So far I have been EXCEPTIONALLY pleased with the information provided by guests and I think Tina does an awesome job at touching on topics that interest runners of all levels. As a Physical Therapist as well as endurance runner - I can say that the information provided by her guests have been sound and evidence based. I have been able to use this podcast as a refreshing, new way of continuing to learn and grow both professionally and personally. I recommend this podcast to all my colleagues and running buds! Thanks for all the effort you put into this podcast Tina - it does not go unnoticed or unappreciated!

Fantastic Resource

July 1, 2016 by Bradzo6 from United States

This is a great resource for runners of all abilities. There is a variey of subjects and guests that keeps you coming back. Great job Tina!

Goldmine

June 30, 2016 by Bradzo6 from United States

Fantastic resource for runners of all abilities! Well done Tina!

Awesome podcast with great content and guests!

June 29, 2016 by Marchil from Australia

Love the content of this well put together podcast, passes the time well, is easy to listen to and great content.

A must for runners

June 29, 2016 by Finncoop from United States

I love listening to this podcast while running. Tina is very passionate and enthusiastic about running and it shows during her interviews. She brings in a wide variety of guest who bring different while interesting topics. I highly recommend giving "Run To The Top" a listen.

Suitable for all runners!

June 24, 2016 by CCaitlin90 from Australia

I have never been interested in podcasts, but somehow stumbled across this one on my search for something to listen to on my long runs - I am hooked. Wonderful guests and a terrific host that make the information engaging and accessible for even a relatively-new runner. I'm about to complete my first marathon and love the tips and advice I've got from the Run to the Top Podcast :)

Great podcast for those interested in the science of running

June 24, 2016 by Matt Toronto from Canada

I found this podcast whilst reading Runners Connect blog post and absolutely love it. It's great to learn some of the science behind training and has lots of interesting guests. I'm busy working my way through the back catalogue...

For runners by runners

June 22, 2016 by AsterMan from United States

Tina and the team at runners connect have access to some of the top names in distance running. The interviews are full of useful and interesting information.

nyos

June 20, 2016 by nyosmali from United States

I am so glad I found this podcast over a year ago. I love the professionalism of each interview. For example, I love that no inappropriate language is used. I feel like each podcast is there to benefit the listener and not a inside conversation between the interviewee and interviewer. Great topics!

Favorite Running Podcasts

June 18, 2016 by DisneyElisa from United States

I love every single one of these interviews. The variety of guests is fantastic, and Tina asks the most insightful questions and really uncovers great information from the experts she talks to. I've learned so much in the short time I've been listening and will continue to follow this podcast in the future.

My goto on long run days1

June 17, 2016 by @therealJT from United States

Found the runners connect podcast earlier this year. I started looking for running podcasts to listen to at night before bed (thought it might help me wind down and sleep ). WRONG! Found my self staying up even later catching up on past episodes! Now I often listen during long runs. Tina is wonderful host and brings her own adorable style to the show. The guests are always relevant and informative. Highly recommend checking it out! Keep up the good work Tina!

Great interviews!

June 16, 2016 by ORuser97215 from United States

Tina has really grown into a fantastic, honest, real host for this podcast. I love the questions she asks, and there are some really great guests! Thanks!

Tina Muir - Are you a strength training baby

June 14, 2016 by Bmac1161 from United States

This was the first podcast I listened to....just getting familiar with this option with RunnersConnect. It was a great interview, and had lots of great information. But that was just the beginning...I emailed Tina afterwards for some sample workouts....she got back to me immediately, and we also exchanged additional emails with helpful information. Will use this much more often! Thanks Tina!

Great podcast for anyone interested in running or fitness

June 14, 2016 by Nina Rim from United Kingdom

Really interesting and informative!

Favorite Podcast!

June 8, 2016 by skinnydog68 from United States

Just love this podcast and I think Tina does such a great job interviewing! I love the variety of guests and love listening while I run.

A Favorite

June 3, 2016 by nkm555 from United States

This is the first podcast I listen to when there are updates. The Runners Connect episodes always cover interesting topics. They focus on the science behind the claims when the guest is doctor or scientist, so I don't think these are just marketing ploys. The host also includes interviews with runners who have inspiring stories; sometimes elite runners, sometimes more "regular" people who've done cool things. In any case, it's a fun listen, especially during an easy run.

Fantastic

June 3, 2016 by CharlotteG313 from United Kingdom

A must-listen for all runners

A "Go To" Podcast for Runners

June 3, 2016 by RunnerClark from United States

This podcast has quickly become on of my favorite and go to running podcasts. I truly look forward to a new episode each week.
I think what sets this podcast apart from others is the level of the guests, the wealth of knowledge and the overall variety of each episode. When I think of the episodes that I've listened to in just the past few weeks alone there was an episode on strength training, a great interview with Ellie Greenwood, an expert on metabolic disorders, an interview with Meb's coach, and so on.
I also absolutely adore Tina Muir. She is incredibly sweet, sincere and genuine. I love the questions she asks - always trying to get to the "why" behind something.

Tina Muir "Run to the Top" Weekly Podcasts

June 3, 2016 by foot55 from United States

I thoroughly enjoy listening to Tina Muir's "Run to the Top" weekly podcasts. I'm like a little kid on Christmas morning waiting for her to post them. Tina is one of the top interviewee's in Running podcasts today! She brings her heart and soul into every episode that brings out the best interviews from her guests. Among my favorites was Meb Keflezghi's Coach Bob Larsen who provided listeners incredible insight into Meb's background and training and how they work together. Another favorite was Thomas Bobby Phillips, the legendary barefoot runner from India who ran the 2015 Boston Marathon barefoot. Bobby is arguably the #1 ambassador for running in India and has an incredible story that is a must listen to podcast. Tina has outstanding guests like these two every week. I strongly recommend Tina's "Run to the Top" weekly podcasts!!!

Runner Entertainment!

June 2, 2016 by Bathel from United States

I've been listening since mid- 2015. Tina is an adorable interviewer, and what she shares of her professional career is a fascinating peek into that life. The range of guests, from bloggers to writers to record breakers, holds my interest every week. I learn something about running, nutrition, fitness every episode. I've been telling my friends to tune in, and have bought products or books as gifts as well.

A great resource for runners

June 2, 2016 by Michael Tasseron from Japan

This is my favourite podcast, and as a runner I find every episode informative and entertaining. It offers listeners valuable insights from authorities in distance running. The show has featured some well known athletes, scientists, physiotherapists and coaches. What I enjoy is that they all come across as approachable and willing to share their expertise. Keep up the good work!

Edutainment at its best.

June 1, 2016 by gavcarm from Australia

A great mix of education and entertainment. Highly recommended for runners of any level of ability or interest. I really enjoy the variety of interviews from athletes, coaches, trainers and practitioners. Great job done by the host Tina.

Informative & Interesting

May 29, 2016 by 4278888 from Australia

Enjoy the podcast, every guest has had perspectives that were worth considering. Found Tina's self criticism a little irritating when she first started but her confidence has improved and she now comes across better. Hope that the recent introduction of advertising rewards her personally for the effort she has to make to produce the podcast.

Always helpful and very motivating

May 28, 2016 by DickSagan from United States

As a coach, I'm constantly sharing this podcast - the information given is trustworthy from industry leaders. I look forward to getting the podcast every Wednesday.

Solid, helpful info, masterfully presented

May 25, 2016 by Running after 60 from United States

Tina does a great job, providing varied, well researched content and an array of interesting presenters who come at running from lots of angles. She really does her homework before each interview, too. Not full of fluff like some other running podcasts. Her show notes are useful, too.

Run to the top - interesting guests and interviews

May 22, 2016 by Fenny1010 from United Kingdom

A fantastic running podcast which I look forward to each week. Great guests and very interesting questions from the host Tina. I have learnt so much by listening. Thanks and please keep them coming!

Great podcast for runners

May 18, 2016 by Leer Lake from United States

Tina does an amazing job interviewing. I like how she comments on her own experience and keeps it real. The topics are always interesting and inspiring. I have learned a lot. Thank you runners connect and especially Tina for one of the best, if not the best podcast for runners.

Awesome running podcast

May 14, 2016 by Cat and poodle lover from United States

The RunnersConnect Run to the Top podcast has become my new training partner for easy runs. I love the wide range of guests that are interviewed, from elite athletes, coaches, health care providers, scientists and bloggers. Not only is it nice to have “company” on my easy runs, but I have really learned a lot about running as a sport and industry. The in depth interviews really allow you a peek into the minds of some of the leaders in the sport of running.

Informative and friendly

May 5, 2016 by Fizzy1964 from Australia

If you were put off by the quality of earlier episodes, give this podcast another try.
Tina Muir interviews a wide variety of guests. These include scientific experts, elite athletes, 'everyday' runners and coaches. Tina's interview style is friendly and she explains any technical stuff to make the content suitable for novices as well as experts.
Early episodes had dodgy sound quality and Tina accepted even outrageous comments without challenge (other than a doubtful 'That's interesting").Now the sound has improved and Tina now challenges controversial statements.

Great Podcast

May 4, 2016 by HDarwan from United States

Tina does a great job asking very beneficial questions

Great guests!

May 1, 2016 by Ckrd23315 from United States

Always enjoy the guests on this show. Very high quality relevant content. I also love Tina, although she can ramble on a bit at times.

Great info

April 28, 2016 by BretMaxwell from United States

Love the show. Solid info and lots of inspiration

Every runner needs to listen to this.

April 12, 2016 by FuzzyOne72 from Australia

Overall, a great podcast with a variety of guests that cover a wide array of practical running information. My very tiny concern is that I wish it was a little more polished with the introduction and sponsor commercials.

Fantastic Running Podcast

April 4, 2016 by Russa Mehta from United Kingdom

Been listening for about a couple of months only, and i have become a huge fan. Interesting guests and a host who is honest and passionate about her subject. A treat for all runners of various levels.
Congratulations on the 100th episode Tina Muir!

The Best Podcast!

March 27, 2016 by drummershannon1 from Australia

Runnersconnect is handsdown my favourite podcast to listen to! The content of the podcasts is always informative with expert guests who always leave you with new tidbits of info to think about and try. The host is soo honest, experienced and down-to-earth, and there is no time wasted ono endless adds or plugs for products. Always a pleasure to listen to :)

Mr

March 14, 2016 by CJDCHVCO from United States

Excellent material- great for the long runs

Big Fan of An Fantastic Podcast

March 11, 2016 by Ickystickeygoo3 from United States

I just started listening to Podcasts a couple of months ago and this was the first one I downloaded. I enjoyed the episode I listened to so much that I subscribed. Now I'm hooked. I've listened to all of the past episodes and I look forward to new ones. As an amateur runner for the past 7 years, I find the information given on the podcast to be very helpful. Tina is a great host and asks good questions. The guests are diverse and are a mix of fun, fascinating, informative, challenging, and practical. I trust that I'm getting reliable information and tips when I listen to this podcast. Subscribe and listen, you won't be disappointed! Keep up the good work, Runnersconnect!

cool

March 7, 2016 by tsb_br from Brazil

Interesting topics for runners all around the world and of all ages. I’ve been listening to it for a year and a half, really like it

Amazing running interviews

March 1, 2016 by Kat Sel from United States

I love the guests that come on RunnersConnect. I always feel so excited about running when I’m listening—so it’s great during long runs, or short ones on those days when it’s tough to get out of the house!

Fun and really informative

February 26, 2016 by Russa Mehta from United Kingdom

Have just discovered this podcast and have enjoyed it very much. So much that I am starting to work backwards through its history.
Tina, you are doing a great job!

Recommended!

February 24, 2016 by Sb sb sb from Australia

What a joy it is to listen to Tina! She has a relaxed interview style and engages easily with her guests which in turn has the guests relaxed and open. Great variety of interesting and inspiring guests and topics. As someone who is new to running I love that Tina explains things in lay mans terms without being condescending. Thoroughly recommend!

Julie Benson Interview

February 18, 2016 by khh4123 from United States

Tina Muir's interview with Julie Benson was so powerful. I listened to it on my easy run workout and could visualize what she was going through at Boston. Tina does a great job week after week getting speakers. Thanks Tina and RunnersConnect.

Fantastic podcast with great variety of info

February 18, 2016 by jj_oz from Australia

I am a relatively new runner who injured myself soon after building up to my first 5K. Searching for some help I found this podcast. Over the last couple of months I have been listening as I slowly build my running back up. I love the variety of topics and guests. Thanks :)

Loanne

February 16, 2016 by Cold Canadian Runner from Canada

I truly enjoy this podcast & listen to it when running & working out. It is positive and fun but, most of all, the information is so helpful. Tina is a wonderful host of the show.

One of the best running podcasts out there

February 15, 2016 by JT Running DC from United States

One of the best running podcasts out there. Tina Muir is a fantastic host - she's knowledgeable about the sport, engaged with the guest, and prepared to ask them the questions we listeners want to know. I like the variety of guests and topics - from physical training to mental training to injuries to elites - each week there's something that grabs my attention. Thanks RunnersConnect for the great podcast!

My favorite podcast

February 11, 2016 by youngandrungry from United States

I absolutely love this podcast as well as Tina as a host (anyone else love how she says “podcast?”) It hits on such prevalent issues in the running community and I can relate everything even the episodes I don’t expect. I learn something new every time and hope it never stops! My favorite topics have to do with weight and balance especially hearing both sides of weight loss vs. taking care of your body and amenorrhea.

The Running Podcast for Everyone

February 6, 2016 by RTBII from United States

Tina Muir does an excellent job of bringing in experts that give great running/fitness/health advice, no matter what level of runner you are, and also brings in some of the most interesting figures in running today and in the recent past to tell their stories. Tina is an elite runner and shares her personal highs and lows, giving the average runner some great insight into what it takes to compete at an elite level.

Applicable Knowledge with real world scenarios

February 5, 2016 by Dave Corrie from United States

I’ve been listening to these podcast now and what I enjoy is the useful information. I’m a 37 yr old runner trying to get faster and be competitive. Many of the podcasts include elite athletes with tips and experiences as well and respected professionals and Dr’s. A lot of useful information for beginners and experienced runners.

Tina Muir rocks

February 3, 2016 by NYCmom43 from United States

I love this podcast. Very informative, and Tina gets the best guests.

My Favorite Running Podcast

February 2, 2016 by Bellflys from United States

This is my favorite running podcast. It is always delivered in time weekly on Wednesday. I am intrigued by each guest discussion from science to elites to everyday folks. Great perspectives and I always learn something. Love that they are interviews but just as easily conversations. Tina is great and very down to earth.

Best running podcast, hands down!

January 27, 2016 by Jasmin @mommysmarathon from United States

This is by far the best running podcast I have ever listened to! This podcast is great for the long time runner as well as the beginner runner, because the topics they discuss are common problems for all runners. In a noisy world full of crazy diets and a lot of false information about being healthy, this is place where like-minded runners can tune in, learn how to work through their common pain points, and feel apart of a welcoming, fun, hard working community. Aside from Tina’s adorable British accent, she is so genuine and knowledgable about the sport, and truly has a heart to teach us how to be a better runner, often by learning from her mistakes. I so appreciate her authentic personality and reminder that running is a tough sport, even for the Elite. I look forward to listening to these podcasts on my long run days, as they have taught me so much and really help me pound out the miles. Thank you Tina and team for your work on this awesome podcast!

Best Runners Podcast!

January 27, 2016 by Jasmin @mommysmarathon from United States

This is by far the best running podcast I have ever listened to! This podcast is great for the long time runner as well as the beginner runner, because the topics they discuss are common problems for all runners. In a noisy world full of crazy diets and a lot of false information about being healthy, this is place where like-minded runners can tune in, learn how to work through their common pain points, and feel apart of a welcoming, fun, hard working community. Aside from Tina’s adorable British accent, she is so genuine and knowledgable about the sport, and truly has a heart to teach us how to be a better runner, often by learning from her mistakes. I so appreciate her authentic personality and reminder that running is a tough sport, even for the Elite. I look forward to listening to these podcasts on my long run days, as they have taught me so much and really help me pound out the miles. Thank you Tina and team for your work on this awesome podcast!!

Please keep it up!!

January 27, 2016 by Kuechi pilipino from United States

I also love hearing about your training. Your podcast motivates me more to cross train with my cycling. I don't really love running before but now i do thank you so much!!!!

Runner's Connect: A Balanced and Varied Resource for Runners of all Levels

January 23, 2016 by MinnieD82 from United States

Runner's Connect is actually the first podcast I ever listened to. I downloaded the episode that interviewed Janae Jacobs, as I was a regularly reader of her Hungry Runner Girl blog. I listened to that episode and just kept on listening. I have since become an avid podcast listener and listen to a variety of podcasts on running and nutrition. I keep coming back to Runner's Connect on the regular, however, because it continues to offer such a good variety of guests and to cover a wide range of topics. I like the balanced approach the show takes to running. I listen to a lot of podcasts on veganism and ultra-running and, while I love those shows, I recognize that they can be kind of extreme. Host Tina Muir is a special treat. Even though she is an elite runner, I find that I can relate to her and feel inspired by her without feeling intimidated. She is incredibly knowledgeable and conducts great interviews which are light-hearted without being silly or "fluffy." I highly recommend the show to runners of any level who want a reliable resource on a wide variety of topics from running form, nutrition, training, cross-training, techniques. etc. Thank you, Tina & Runner's Connect!

Love love love

January 12, 2016 by Rach8n from Australia

your podcasts...
Tina you are such a wonderful inspiration, wealth of knowledge and a joy to listen to. I have learnt so much!

Good job!

January 12, 2016 by NB0214 from United States

I look forward to every new download.

Never a boring topic!

January 11, 2016 by Erb9 from United States

I am constantly checking my podcast folder on my phone to see when a new podcast from Run To the Top, Runners Connect will be released! I have learned SO MUCH this past year and always excited for more. Tina does a wonderful job of making the topics relatable for both the beginner to experienced runners. The guests she interviews have so much experience, insight, and passion to share. Absolutely my favorite podcast of all time! Its hard to believe there is so much about running to talk about, but I think Run to the Top has only scratched the surface. Thank you for offering such a quality show! I am always spreading the word! :)

excellent running podcast with interesting guests

January 11, 2016 by ChelleG19 from United States

Tina does a great job as a host with a variety of guests and topics. She asks great questions and makes the podcast interesting. The guests are wonderful and include a variety of topics and different levels of running. It’s relatable to all runners.

My favourite running podcast by miles!

January 7, 2016 by hairy growler from United Kingdom

I am currently subscribed to 6 running podcasts and this is defo my favourite. Its a pleasure listening to Tina’s passion and honesty about running. She always finds great guests and drops knowledge on my head with each episode. She is an elite runner and approaches her podcast with the same drive and commitment. Thank you for doing this, hugely appreciated.

Brilliant!

January 6, 2016 by MomoftwinsMN from United States

I really enjoy listening to all of the great interviews Tina conducts durning my recovery runs. It can educational and fun at the same time.

Better and Better

January 4, 2016 by Mrs Angel Chavez from United States

I started listening to Run to the Top from the beginning only about a month ago.. already I have gone through every podcast and can’t wait for the new ones to come out. Since Tina took the helm I have seen her grow so much as an interviewer. She truly researches the person she will be talking to and has very thoughtful questions. Some say she should listen more but I appreciate her wisdom as well, after all she is an elite runner (and she loves sweets, so she is a woman after my own heart) Keep up the good work!

I have been a weekly listener for many years and this is simply the best runners training information out there hands down

Informative, educational and so interesting

December 11, 2015 by Compdrau from Australia

I have learned so much about running from this podcast. The guests are so interesting. Tina interviews her guests in such a warm and friendly way they relax and share their knowledge freely. She also has throughly read and researched her guests. Time and time again she will ask a question and her guest will be amazed at the depth of knowledge she has about them and their work. Tina I Really enjoy listening to the show. Thank you.

Good Stuff

December 9, 2015 by Freddie Dude from United States

I listen to these appropriately enough on my long runs on the weekends. The guests are usually pretty interesting and I tend to learn quite a bit and it keeps me motivated.

I love this podcast! I never walk away from listening to one without having learned something that I can apply to my own running! I listen often while running, which I find to increase my motivation.

Great Podcast

December 1, 2015 by TryingToBreak3 from United States

Great podcast. I would like to see more "regular people" interviews. Maybe some people who are attempting their first marathon, someone who is trying to qualify for Boston, someone trying to break 3:00, or someone who typically wins their local races. I'd like to see what their training plans are like, how they juggle running with their work and family obligations, what they do to keep motivated, and any tips they have for other people in similar shoes... Thanks and keep up the good work.

Powerful

December 1, 2015 by Mwrighttri from United States

Listening to these podcasts has been powerful information for me to have an advocate for my own health and enable me to continue and get back into running. I can't tell you how many PTs out there do not know how to support running and don't know how to treat a runners injury. In addition to learning about running shoes and the right kinds of cross training, I finally feel like I'm on the right track to healing after 15 years of injury in part due to the incredible wealth of information on these podcasts!

For runners of all abilities

November 29, 2015 by Laura in Pittsburgh from United States

I'm a middle of the pack marathon runner and I love this podcast. I just discovered it and am downloading every available episode to keep me company on my solo runs.

Very helpful and encouraging

November 23, 2015 by Shepherd girl mj from United States

I so appreciate the variety of guests on this podcast. I also really appreciate all of the work of Runner's Connect. I have been helped much through RC. Thank you for all of the improvements that have been made to the podcast. I look forward to it each week.

great podcasts!

November 23, 2015 by mollin8or from United States

i LOVE the runnersConnect podcasts! their topics are super relevant, especially to injured runners and for folks who aspire to be better. Tina Muir does a great job of asking interesting, thought-provoking questions and keeping her interviewees engaged and excited about the interview. i leave the podcast smarter, and inspired. and her guests are exactly who i am interested to be learning from. keep it coming!

Very encouraging for runners of all abilities

November 23, 2015 by Shepherd girl mj from United States

I so appreciate the variety of guests RC has on the podcasts (coaches, researchers, ultra runners, women, men, elite, not so elite, doctors, etc). I also really appreciate all of the work of Runner’s Connect. I have been helped very much in my fitness through Jeff Gaudette and staff. Thank you for all of the improvements you have made to the podcast. I really look forward to it weekly. I like the fact that I know which day we will have a new one. I truly mean that these really encourage me.

Great info for all runners

November 23, 2015 by timberlock12 from United States

RC nails it with in-depth, sound interviews with all the top experts in the field. Don’t miss an episode, whether you’re new to the sport or a seasoned pro!

Good running podcast

November 22, 2015 by HinBerlin from Germany

Always interesting, with a wide variety of topics and guests. Interviews with runners and with experts on training related topics like psychology, stress, sleep, nutrition. Always learn something new!

Great podcast for both new and advanced runners

November 21, 2015 by Neal64 from United States

This is a great podcast. I've actually listened to every podcast, some multiple times. Tina Muir does an excellent job interviewing all of her guests - she seems to have a positive chemistry with every one of her guests, keeping the conversations & material interesting and relevant. I highly recommend this podcast to runners of all levels of experience. I look forward to her weekly updates.

Honest and openminded podcast host

November 21, 2015 by Milushq from Israel

I'm listening to quite a few running podcasts and usually a host/s have some kind of agenda be it in the training or nutrition and it shows in the topics chosen for discussion. That doesn't seem to be a case with Tina Muir, and it's very nice.

Something for everyone

November 21, 2015 by DMAPPs from United Kingdom

As the title suggests there is something to be learnt for all levels of ability in this insightful and informative podcast.
The host is great, she seems like she is learning things at the same time as you are.
This is definitely not just for elite runners!
Great work from the runners connect crew.

Great Podcast!

November 19, 2015 by StephanyC007 from United States

I so enjoy listening to this podcast and hearing Tina's interviews with various experts across the running community on a variety of topics. I've learned about everything from nutrition to running form to just staying motivated. I look forward to hearing this podcast each week and adding more knowledge to everything I have learned so far about how to run more efficiently and safely. Love Tina, her positive attitude, and all the great advice she brings to the listener!

Informative with runners at every level & age in mind!

November 17, 2015 by Deej4Fitness from United States

I’ve been listening to the Run to the Top podcasts for a couple of years and it has become my “go to” source for information on all things running. As a Masters runner who’s still fairly new to the sport, I appreciate that there’s something for me in every episode. I like that the guests provide a good balance of information on a variety of topics of interest to all runners with some inspiration mixed in to encourage anyone, athletes & non-athletes alike. I love Tina’s genuine and personable interviewing style and appreciate her well thought out questions; she clearly does her homework prior to interviewing each guest. Thanks to Runners Connect for a quality broadcast!

Run to the top is defiantly Top !!!

November 10, 2015 by JanRain from United Kingdom

Fantastic informative Podcasts packed with useful educational and humorous info for anyone who loves to run thanks Tina and the team keep them coming like the hills we run !!!

Great for runners of all abilities

November 9, 2015 by Mark Soo from Thailand

This is a really great podcast. I think there is something interesting for new and experienced runners.
The podcasts cover a wide range of subjects, from the more technical aspects of improving your running by looking at specific areas (running form, strength training, nutrition etc) to hearing stories and experiences from all kinds of elite athletes on how to deal with pressure, training under busy schedules, training as you get older and a whole host of other great subjects.
If you are interested in running this is well worth a listen to.

My Favorite Running Podcast

November 7, 2015 by Return to the 80s from United States

Tina is a very knowledgable interviewer. Every episode is interesting, different and holds my attention. And I can't even count the number of times the interviewee has said to Tina, "Wow, you really did your research!" It is so great to listen to somebody that has so much heart and passion.

Love This Podcast!

November 6, 2015 by Kklad from United States

Was so happy to find this podcast! The range of topics covers all aspects of running and is very informative for all levels of runners. It is fantastic to hear from elites, coaches and top professionals and I love that it is hosted by an elite too! Tina Muir brings great questions and positivity to the interviews in a conversational style that makes me feel part of the team! I definitely recommend for anyone interested in broadening their running knowledge and lifestyle.

Great Podcast

November 3, 2015 by Lovin2run from United States

I enjoy listening to these podcasts. Tina does a fret job selecting the guests who bring great topic discussions and good perspectives. Thanks for good information!

My favorite

November 2, 2015 by Cbt44 from United States

I listen to a lot of podcasts on my work commute. This is , hands down, my favorite since Tina tool over. The interviews are great, the topics are always interesting and Tina is always upbeat and approachable. I'm not an elite by any stretch, but there is always something here for me (and any level). I always get excited for my Wednesday commute!

Great podcasts for runners!

October 23, 2015 by Happy Fit Mama from United States

I'm new to listening to podcasts regularly and Runner's Connect is my favorite for everything runners want to know about. Tina Muir's interview with Fernado Cabada was beyond inspirational. It's one of the best I've heard! It was heartfelt and uplifting. I'm excited each week to listen to a new podcast to further my running knowledge.

Great Information, Fascinating Guests

October 20, 2015 by Crosscoutry02 from United States

Prior to Tina Muir, the podcasts were good but not great. Tina, being the thorough person she is, does fantastic background research before approaching the person to be on the podcast for the week. She then has a list of questions, but modifies it based upon the responses. Interviewing is tough and it is fun to hear Tina gaining confidence, making the podcast her own, and enjoying the podcast process! Keep up the great work.

Interesting guests

October 20, 2015 by RalphGom from United Kingdom

Some very good guest interviews: good to listen to on long training runs

Great resources for any runner

October 16, 2015 by RamonaD76 from United States

Tina Muir does an amazing job bringing in very knowledgeable hosts covering a variety of topics directly or indirectly related to running. All podcasts are great additions to the wealth of resources available for RunnersConnect members and general audience. Keep up the good work, Tina & team! I’ll keep listening & learning.

Great information

October 13, 2015 by dnthall from United States

I really enjoy listening to the podcast as I do my long runs. There is a varitey of topics. Tina has never talked down to us slower runs. I appreciate it.

Now my favorite running podcast

October 13, 2015 by Ex P B from United States

Tina Muir has really come into her own as an interviewer. There is a lot of humanity in this podcast, and it offers something for runners at all levels.

Perspective

October 8, 2015 by VitaTrain4Life from United States

I just listened to the podcast with Fernando Cabada and was completely blown away! Runners whine a lot, about injuries, about clothing and shoes and races and everything else. After listening to the incredible story of Cabada, from growing up poor with a father in and out of jail, to becoming a man with the mantra of “slow feet don’t eat,” you will never look at running and racing the same again. I will be rooting for him in Chicago this weekend!

Kerry Gold Butter - Sock Doc

October 1, 2015 by RunDream26 from United States

I just listened to the Sock Doc interview - it was awesome and I've been enjoying lots of Kerry Gold butter now :)

Experts cover a wide range of topics

September 22, 2015 by runningto100 from United States

I’ve learned so much from listening to this podcast. The guests are leaders and experts in their field, so you know you’re getting up to the minute correct info. I’ve been running 30 years and I have learned more from this podcast in the last few weeks than I have in previous years. It’s so convenient to listen on a run and I know I absorb the information better by listening to the podcast than I would reading a book.

Great Podcast by a Real Runner

September 17, 2015 by Seanjack2011 from United States

This is a great podcast hosted by someone that I think is really enjoying and cares about what she is doing. The guests are very knwledgeable and it is nice to be getting a variety of topics from week to week. Highly recommended.

Great podcast!!

September 16, 2015 by Sav duncan from United States

This podcast is super beneficial and has great tips! It's wonderful to have a podcast that helps you feel apart of a running community. This podcast is perfect for any runner, beginner and elite runners.

Great runner podcast

September 4, 2015 by Schmenge55 from United States

I look for the new podcast every week. How could they be improved? More open ended questions vrersus "yes/now" (although the guests always elaborate anyway :) )They are the perfect lenght for my run, the guests are intersting and I like the "tone" of the interviews

The next best thing to running!

September 3, 2015 by david.power from United Kingdom

Discovered this podcast after an injury, been really impressed with the quality of the guests and the content. Keep up the good work.

Great!

September 2, 2015 by AdrianMastronardi from United States

I like this podcast very much. Great in information, great interviews!
Thanks for doing it!

Excellent Source of Inspiration and Information

September 2, 2015 by River Man from United States

Listening to the podcasts has become a must-do in my week. I’ve learned so much by listening and have been made aware of great resources. Good job, Tina Muir!

One of the Best!

September 2, 2015 by Jennfny from United States

I've listened to many running podcasts, but this one has some of the best content out there. Driven by actual studies and research, this podcast shares the most recent findings on all things running. Tina Muir was a hesitant interviewer initially, but she improves weekly. I love her warm, real personality. Excellent! My training and goals have been improved by listening...really love it.

Great Podcast for All Running Levels

August 30, 2015 by JB Hawk from United States

I really like the variety of guests and the informal style of Tina Muir. I'm fairly new to running and I find valuable insights in almost every podcast. The "old" podcasts are great to go back and listen to as well - some great guests and its interesting to hear contrasting interview styles. I listen to these while running and they really helf the miles go by.

Great podcast for all athletes

August 24, 2015 by VanSkate from United Kingdom

The Run To The Top podcast is one of the best for runners and anyone with general sports and fitness aspirations. Tina is an elite level marathoner and so knows the questions to ask, and backs it up with a great panel of guests. There is something here for everyone!

On Point for sure

August 19, 2015 by Terry2M from United States

Love this. I love all aspects of running. Her guest have been on other podcast but her interviews cover areas that weren’t covered in those podcast. Always like the Sock Doc and thats how I found this podcast. Keep up the good work Tina….

Informative, great guests, good stuff

August 12, 2015 by Knottyali from United Kingdom

Thoroughly enjoying these podcasts, loving the guests and info. Well worth a listen to anyone who loves running at any level

great podcast

August 4, 2015 by juliekhurd from United States

This is a great podcast for all runners. The caliber of guests is fantastic. I appreciate the topic selections as well, it's not just the same information being recycled like you see in some popular running magazines.

Always interesting and informative!

August 2, 2015 by Evildogmom from United States

Thanks for consistently providing great interviews with interesting guests. I come away with wonderful information and excitement about running!

Best Running Podcast

July 29, 2015 by iSteeeve from United States

Tina Muir is the great interviewer at Run To The Top. In her 7 months or so here she has turned this into a wonderful podcast. Top coaches, runners, authors everyone is getting interviewed here. From Dan Lieberman and Chris Macdougall to Alan Webb. Minimalist running, training, diet, cross training and all things running are covered.
Tina gives a fantastic interview and is genuine. She is interested in the discussions and is also a fine runner. She brings a runners enthusiasm and interest to her work.

Great conversations for serious runners

July 28, 2015 by apkohl from United States

I really love this podcast. It does such a great job of reflecting the passion and intelligence of the Runners Connect website, and always teaches me something new about the sport I love. The interviews really function like conversations between people, which makes it a really fun listen. It’s my go-to running companion during the week.
Thanks so much! Keep up the good work!

Must-listen podcast for runners

July 27, 2015 by L. S. Norris from United States

I love the Runner's Connect podcast for treadmill runs or strength training sessions. The topics and interviewees are always fascinating, informative, and motivational. Tina is an engaging and knowledgeable host who always gives a thorough presentation of the topic.

Lots of knowledge

July 27, 2015 by Jeremy71250 from Canada

These podcasts always bring a wealth of knowledge to the audience. Very informative, and not afraid to go in depth.
Only criticism: that intro music!

Great resource

July 26, 2015 by tollerlove from Canada

Love listening to these while running - gives me something to think about, absorb, action. Keep up the great work!

Great Podcast

July 16, 2015 by Joe Meno from United States

I listen to a lot of podcasts about running and this one is quickly becoming my favorite. Tina Muir asks thoughtful questions not only for her benefit, but for the average runner. I'm learning quite a lot and will recommend this podcast to my running club.

My favourite running podcast

July 13, 2015 by swl493 from Canada

Every week I can rely on this podcast to learn something new and interesting about running. Tina Muir is doing a great job keeping the topics and guests diverse. Tons of good stuff in the back catalogue, too.

One of my favorite podcasts

July 9, 2015 by fan in tulsa from United States

Tina asks thoughtful, creative questions of the show's guests. I really enjoyed this recent podcast of Greg Lehman because I learned that he will be at the same marathon as I am in Sept, the Erie Marathon. I'll be cheering for Greg to get his BQ!!!

Not your run of the mill podcast

June 26, 2015 by AmbertheRunner from United States

I started listening to this podcast shortly after the new host, Tina Muir took over. While the first one I listened to (an interview with Boston Marathon Race Director Dave McGillivray) had poor sound quality, the interview itself was interesting and inspiring to listen to.
This podcast quickly became one of my favorites to listen to for it’s range of topics, most recently I listened to the interview with Chicago Marathon Race Director Carey Pinkowski, and before that, one on women runners and fertility (try finding info on that anywhere else).
Other episodes have authors of running, psychology, and sports related books - Matt Fitzgerald (80/20 Running), Chris McDougall (Born to Run), Travis Macy (The Ultra Mindset), and RW Columnist Alex Hutchinson to name a few.
Tina is still getting a feel for being a comfortable podcaster I think, so sometimes she’s a little scripted, but I enjoy hearing a podcast interviewer from an (elite) runner rather than a coach sometimes (it seems like every other running related podcast is hosted by a coach). Listen to a few, and you’ll learn a lot.

Love these stories!

June 22, 2015 by n898ue98r9q8reuer from United States

I came to RunnersConnect several years ago because their blogs were so rich with practical, thoughtful and research based information. These podcasts take things to an even higher level. I learn something every time I listen to one. Thanks RC!

Getting better all the time

June 22, 2015 by HokiefanDan from United States

This is an excellent podcast and Tina is really coming into her own as an interviewer. Great information, great guests. Highly recommend.

Great for a long run!

June 20, 2015 by Not Your Mama’s Marathon from United States

I love listening to these podcasts for my long runs! It is highly entertaining and makes the hours go by quickly. Tina is adorable and does a great job at interviewing. I would suggest these to anyone, runners and non-runners alike!

Range of interesting topics

June 20, 2015 by EastcoastJenny from United States

Great podcast with a range of topics relevant to all runners. Whether you're looking for specificity of training (see Everything You Need to Know About Electrolytes: Nina Anderson, for example) or the evolution of women's running (see What Can You Do to Change the World?- Kathrine Switzer for example) this podcast covers it. Great interview style with intelligent questions. I look forward to each new episode!

Kathrine Switzer podcast

June 12, 2015 by rUnldylike from United States

Tina Muir's interview with Kathrine Switzer on Runners Connect about her inspiring story and the women's running movement is one of the best interviews I've head in a long time. Kathrine's words spoke to me so deeply, and Tina is such a thoughtful and authentic host. I'd highly recommend this podcast and others on Runners Connect to anyone who loves running.

Don't miss this 'cast!

June 10, 2015 by UltraKen from United States

Hosted by an elite marathoner, this cast speaks to ALL levels of running. Excellent content, great production, perfect for on the run listening.

Very informative.

June 6, 2015 by Tristan4646464 from Australia

Looking forward to catching up on all the past episodes. Lots of great information.

Essential Pod

May 14, 2015 by Tasty_Magic from United States

Interviews are detailed but never tedious. I feel like I've learned something from every episode!

The best running podcast

May 11, 2015 by Slaglemark from United States

Great info and interviews, and a nice mix of technical and motivational topics.
It's really interesting to hear host (and elite marathoner) Tina Muir's take on topics that affect recreational runners.

Great Topics for Runners & Athletes

May 5, 2015 by Alligator423uf from United States

Very helpful advice for runners, but also some topics that are helpful for everyone - like the nutrition topics.

Great podcast for runners!

April 30, 2015 by Squirrel Buns from United States

I have really enjoyed learning so much from each of the podcasts I’ve listed too so far. I subscribe to a few podcasts for runners and Run To The Top is #1 for me. The guests are varied as are the subjects. The information can’t be beat. Tina Muir has really done a great job as the host for the show and her true thirst for knowledge in running and life show through as she interviews those on the show. Great job Tina!

Best podcast for runners!

April 30, 2015 by Chridtinakatrina from Australia

This is the best running podcast. The hosts hold great interviews which are very entertaining and interesting to listen to. I look forward to every new podcast and always learn something new.

Better Listening Needed

April 23, 2015 by Pathfinder32110 from United States

The Interviewee are are great! Information is Great! Interviewing is a hard job. The Interviewer needs to pose shorter questions and listen to the answers. Don’t be in such a hurry to tell what you know; we want to hear from the interviewee. Let them talk and listen and react, BRIEFLY. You do not have to restate everything that was said. You are dong a pretty good job. Keep growing.

Great info for runners and non-runners alike

April 16, 2015 by PegDB from United States

Jeff and his team provide great insights into all things running, and how our bodies work and adapt. I like that it is science and researched based. The podcasts all make me think, and I love listening to them on a run.

Perfect for Long Runs!

April 16, 2015 by Emma @ Life’s A Runner from Canada

I have followed Tina’s blog for several months now, so I knew any podcast with her in it would be fantastic. Hearing that both Tina and Doug Kurtis’ first marathons were…interesting (she can’t even remember hers, and Doug had to take a pit stop to get his feet taped!) really took off the pressure that I was putting on myself for my first marathon. I listened to them chat for the last half of my long run, and I can honestly say the miles flew by! This will definitely be a staple in my running routine from now on.

A good listen for the roads

April 14, 2015 by Luis Carlos from United States

Just started listening to this podcasts. It’s quite al right as a running companion, but it could use a little upbeat.

Great podcast

April 11, 2015 by Saudili from United States

I’m new to this pod cast but have really enjoyed the last few downloads. Great interviews with inspiring and well informed runners.

Alex Hutchinson - improving performance

April 10, 2015 by justamaniac from United States

Alex is a wealth of information, thank you. But I felt that the question stated in the title was never really answered... aside from the mention of steroids. I was hoping for a clearer picture of supplements that work and those that are "illegal, but he never really got there". Notwithstanding, I enjoyed the interview!

Motivating!

April 8, 2015 by Travis Macy from United States

These podcasts are the perfect companion for long runs. Great take-aways for running and life!

Tina Muir

April 2, 2015 by Brockdorf from United States

I listen to my podcast while running and while working. To be able to do this you have to have a very unique presentation that lets you know when the important stuff is being talk about, be generally entertaining throughout the podcast, and not lack inflection so you don’t ignore the whole podcast. I have podcast packed with information, but they are so boring you get to the end of it and you realize you listened to none of it. Then I have podcast that are so packed with information that you can’t possible multitask through the show. There really not a way to describe exactly what I mean, but there are very few podcast that are perfect to listen to while running and working—but this is one.

Satiates your inner running nerd! :)

April 1, 2015 by Carly Pizzani from United States

Just started listening to this podcast & heard elite runner Tina Muir talking about full-body gait analysis - so fascinating! I will definitely be checking out the whole series.

Great podcast for runners

March 29, 2015 by DcnRuss from United States

I have been listening to this podcast for the past year and enjoy it. As a beginner runner (less than 2 years running) I have learned a great deal. The most recent interview with Alex Hutchinson had some very helpful information on supplements. Tina Muir, the newest interviewer, is getting more comfortable each time out. Highly recommended.

A great podcast to listen to while running!

March 28, 2015 by epalsma from Canada

There aren’t many podcasts on running that are worth listening to. There are a great number of topics, for all your different interests.

Great Topics and Guests!

March 28, 2015 by Metadaddy from United States

I discovered Run to the Top a few weeks ago, and it’s quickly become my #1 podcast for when I spend more than a few minutes in the car. Tina does a great job with her guests - they share some fascinating insights.

Informative

March 12, 2015 by nkm555 from United States

Interesting topics with a focus on the science behind the claims.

Love it!

March 1, 2015 by Cassie Pisone from United States

So great - I learn so much with every podcast! Highly recommend!!! Tina is so great to listen to!

I look forward to new episodes!

February 25, 2015 by josina_james321 from United States

I eagerly await Wednesdays for the new episodes of this podcast! They are cover a variety of running related topics that are both informative and enjoyable for runners of all levels. I also like the grassroots feel of this podcast. My two recommendations for improvement would be the audio quality, which is not always the best, and having the newest episodes available on iTunes sooner. I often see on Facebook that there is a new episode and follow the link to iTunes only to be disappointed by the fact that the episode is not yet available. Overall a great thing to have available to listen to on my runs!

Great information

February 25, 2015 by c.a.r.o.l. from United States

These are great podcasts to listen to while I do my longer runs. Good information and not only for elite runners.

Great resource with some really good interviews and insights for runners. Highly recommended for gym and jogging!

Great for both beginner and advanced runners

January 28, 2015 by Azyet24 from United States

Interviews are well thought-out and guest are top notch. New host podcaster engages with the guest very well and is able to pull out the best information from the guest. Highly recommend for all runners!

Good podcast for beginners to elite runners

January 28, 2015 by Eskimokiedokie from United States

This podcast has been revamped with a new female host that is also in the elite range of the sport. The guests are very high quality and the content is engaging!

Some great information for the serious runner

January 28, 2015 by PFF13 from United States

Regardless of your distance, fitness etc if you love running there's some great info here. Found the nutrition episode particularly useful recently.

Excellent stuff!

January 25, 2015 by Lloydy in Sydney from Australia

This show just gets better. Great interviews, advice and direction for all standards of running (interviewer improving). So pleased I found RunnersConnect, now have loads of back issues to listen to.

Love This Podcast!

January 24, 2015 by janetlovestorun from United States

I've always enjoyed the RunnersConnect podcast, but I love it even more since Tina Muir took over as host. The weekly shows are relevant to runners of all abilities, and every week I hear something that helps me become a better runner. RunnersConnect is by far my favorite podcast!

Informative and engaging, embodies the spirit of running

January 24, 2015 by xrouge from Canada

Tina Muir has great guests, demonstrates a professional attitude and her candour in regards to her interviewing skills, which are continously improving, is charming.

Great information

January 15, 2015 by RunnerEmily from United States

I'm a huge fan of all things RunnersConnect, so it's no surprise that I also love their Podcasts. They bring in knowledgeable and reputable people in the sport, so if you're into running, this is the Podcast for you.

New episodes?

November 1, 2014 by alexjhancock from United States

I was enjoying this podcast. Is there a plan to make more new episodes?

The real deal

August 10, 2014 by Michael in Doha from United States

If you’re reading this, congratulations: you found the real deal. Mix one tablespoon of insight, with equal portions of discipline and confidence, add further seasoning to taste, patiently sauté until race day, being careful not to burn, then amaze yourself with the result.

Excellent guests, good questions!

April 14, 2014 by Jjt89 from United States

Will’s interview technique gets better and better with every podcast! The latest from April 9, 2014 with Magness is fantastic information and the questions are well framed to elicit fantastic conversation. I look forward to even more!

Awesome

September 6, 2013 by Run&Kick from United States

My boyfriend who is a cross country coach and turned me on to this podcast. Its amazing. I find the information very useful and I can listen to this at work, home or even running! Keep them coming!

Great podcasts!

June 18, 2013 by Barefoot Morten from Denmark

These podcasts are really interesting and insightfulI and I enjoy listening to them. I also highly recommend visiting the blog on runners connect, which have a lot of good articles on all things running.

Great guests

June 13, 2013 by perry dakar from United States

I really enjoy this podcast. Jeff has great guests, and it's been cool to hear him become more and more comfortable as an interviewer as the months go by. Lots of good -- sometimes conflicting -- perspectives, so always lots to think about. Definitely one of my favorites.

Interesting guests, interesting questions

May 26, 2013 by @aaronolson82 from United States

Podcast is one of my favorites on running. Great guests and great questions.

Best Serious Running Podcast Available

May 26, 2013 by OTCM_MiddleDistanceGuy from United States

In a sea of "couch to 5K" podcasts, Runner's Connect stands out as one of the very few programs for serious distance and middle distance runners. Interviews with experts (e.g. Tim Noakes) and with elite (past, present and future) athletes a coaches who have something valuable to discuss make this podcast my favorite. Jeff Gaudette does a great job leading the interviews and is clearly respected by the other athletes, coaches and experts who answer his questions seriously - no fluff. Great job Jeff.

Love It!!

May 20, 2013 by Petegirl333 from United States

Full of great information! Great for new or experienced runners!

Great insights

May 16, 2013 by MMcGyver from United States

Jeff does a great job brimming scientists and other subject matter experts to the table and discussing a wide range of topics I find extraordinarily relevant. Not just to running but to all my fitness endeavors. His podcast have explored the wide world of running myths and brought clarity and focus.
Keep it up Jeff.

Best running resource

May 8, 2013 by 俺ダァ from Japan

For mine "RunnersConnect" is the best online resource for runners currently available. Learning a lot and enjoying the process. Thanks!

Very educational and to the point

March 27, 2013 by Carlisia Campos from United States

Jeff does a great service to us runners by covering great topics and going directly to the point. I also subscribe to his email newsletter on my personal email address: it is one email that I read immediately as soon as I see it, it has that level of consistent relevance, just like his podcasts.

Listen to Gain Running Knowledge

January 31, 2013 by Npearsonsmith from United States

Jeff is so knowledgeable in the running world and picks informative athletes and doctors to interview. Between the breadth of topics and perspective of athletes, these podcasts cover tons of bases and will not only help you understand the sport more but also help you back up scientific findings. From the physiological effects to mental strategies, these podcasts are outstanding

The absolute best running podcast

January 16, 2013 by NJrunnerDY from United States

This is the ideal podcast for people who want to learn. I'm a beginner training for a marathon and I keep going back to past podcasts getting more information I missed or didn't apply to my routines. Sign up for the newsletter on the website. There is so much free information given i don't need to look for other articles anywhere else. There is only one podcast I don't like. It's not from the host but of the guest who doesn't have a radio voice and she talked about herself half the show. Other than that I look forward to the new ones every week even when Jeff is slacking over the holidays.

Runners connect

November 2, 2012 by Jnewes from United States

Very informative, great topics.

Love this podcast!!

August 14, 2012 by Run-n-Mom from United States

Love the discussions, stories, questions that this podcast provides. Also love how in depth these elite runners get about their own training regimes.

Fantastic!

July 30, 2012 by MarkEichen from United States

Great group of experienced and successful coaches. I wish I'd found them earlier.